GLAD is a
New England (
US) based organization which has worked effectively
to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, HIV status or gender
identity and expression. The organization was founded in 1978 and has an
impressive record of effecting change in both law and policy in the region.
In February of 2002 GLAD won its case before the Massachusetts Supreme
Judicial Court, which effectively struck down the Commonwealth's Sodomy laws,
banning police and prosecutors from using these antiquated statutes to target
gay, lesbian or other groups. (A sodomy charge had been used by police
to effectively close a S&M club after a long-running political and court
battle had failed to do so).
The SJC decision constituted the first major win in a decade long effort to
obtain legislative repeal in the Massachusetts Senate which is effectively
controlled by notoriously conservative speaker Thomas Finneran.
GLAD is presently (2002) active in efforts to secure marital equality for
gay and lesbian couples in Massachusetts.
See: http://www.glad.org/